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Rivers: Five Guber Candidates Raise Alarm Over Plot To Rig Election In PDP’s Favour

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Five governorship candidates in Rivers State, have raised the alarm over alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (INEC) to rig the Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections in connivance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The governorship candidates are Tonye Cole of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sobomabo Jackreece of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Tonte Ibraye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Others are the governorship candidates of the Accord Party, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and his Action Alliance (AA) counterpart, Dr. Dawari George, who were represented by their running-mates, Mrs. Tambari Hilda Dedam and Rev. Tonnie Anoruewhom, respectively.

Addressing joint media conference on behalf of others in Port Harcourt yesterday, the APC governorship candidate, Cole, said urged INEC to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act during the election.

He said: “This press conference was called to draw your attention to a well orchestrated plot by certain top officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to compromise the Governorship and House of Assembly election billed for this Saturday, March 18, 2023.

“We have invited you to intimate you of the fact of serial breach of the Electoral Act by these officials who rather than enforce public confidence in the commitment and capability of INEC to deliver on a credible, free and fair Gubernatorial and House of Assembly election on Saturday, March 18, 2023, are working hand in gloves with well known leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hijack the aforementioned election in the state.

ALSO READ:  3 PDP state assembly members defect to APC in Kebbi

“We are reliably informed of a recent plot by the Governor of the state, to use the local government Secretariat’s by INEC as Collation Centres to rig the results of the aforementioned election.

“We were also informed that Governor Wike has instructed all the LGA Executive Chairmen to carry out what he called ‘Operation No Mercy’ against every other party agents being the Chief Security Officers of their respective LGAs, to ensure that those agents representing their respective political party interests do not gain access to the Collation Centres.

“He has also assured the INEC officials of their safety and that they should comply with the PDP agents to manipulate the process before taking it through the state collation centres.

“In view of the above, our prayers are as follows: that INEC and every relevant security agency should stop all government officials from accessing the collation centres.

“That in accordance with section 43 (1) of the Electoral Act prohibiting government officials from acting from acting as agents of political parties at collations, INEC and relevant security authorities should restrict the movement of all government officials from the Executive Governor, Wike down Executive Chairmen.

“And that they should all stay away from Collation Centres as their presence will compromise the process as it did in the February 25 election.”

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Ned Nwoko Urges Oborevwori to Leave Behind PDP’s Old Ways in His New APC Journey — Emphasizing the Need for Transformative Change

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Ned Nwoko, the senator for Delta North, has called on Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State, to abandon the “old habits” associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he embarks on a new political chapter within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement directed at the governor following his recent defection, Nwoko emphasized that this transition should not merely be a symbolic gesture but rather a transformative process. He urged Oborevwori to “move beyond politics of survival and embrace the politics of legacy.”

“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. It is essential to leave behind outdated practices, old political dynamics, and the arrangements that have contributed to the PDP’s gradual decline in Delta,” Nwoko remarked.

He commended the governor for his decision to join the APC, labeling it as a courageous move that could open up new avenues for both Delta State and the broader political landscape of Nigeria.

The senator pointed out that the APC, now “reenergized and focused,” has already initiated efforts for constitutional amendments, which include the establishment of Anioma and New Delta states.

“Foremost among these initiatives is the creation of two viable new states: Anioma and New Delta,” he stated.

“Let me remind you that this agenda was endorsed by the party leadership long before your defection, highlighting the APC’s commitment to rectifying historical imbalances and addressing regional marginalization.”

Nwoko urged the governor to take the lead in advocating for constitutional reforms, showcasing a renewed commitment to equity, inclusive development, and progressive governance.

“Your defection must transcend mere symbolism; it must be a catalyst for transformation. This is your moment to adopt a renewed sense of purpose and showcase your commitment to progressive governance, equity, and inclusive development,” Nwoko asserted.

ALSO READ:  Rivers: Ex-Reps Deputy Speaker Urges Massive Votes For PDP

“The establishment of Anioma state will finally provide a voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North, representing a long-overdue acknowledgment of a community seeking parity with its counterparts.

“The proposed New Delta will rectify significant internal disparities within the existing Delta state framework. It will empower marginalized communities, bring government closer to the populace, and pave the way for new economic opportunities.”

“For the first time, the APC possesses the numbers necessary to amend the constitution. This time, we can honor these commitments without imposing burdensome trade-offs on the South. We are not negotiating from a position of weakness; we stand resolutely in a position of strength.

“These proposed changes are not merely political; they are economic imperatives. They concern targeted governance, improved infrastructure, enhanced federal allocations, and grassroots democracy. The creation of two new states will serve as two new engines for development.”

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2027: South should be allowed to complete its eight years – APC Chieftain

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A chieftain of All Progressives Congress.(APC), Uche Nwosu, has said the South should be allowed to complete its eight years of presidency.

Nwosu, a former Chief of Staff to Imo government, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

According to him, the southern part of the country should be allowed to complete its eight-year tenure, just like the North did under former President Muhamadu Buhari.

“It is unfair and unjust to say power should return to the North in 2027. I am not in support of that. I’m 100 per cent in support of the south to compete its eight years.

“We have President Bola Tinubu who is from the south. So why should we, at this point in time, start talking about power returning to the north?

“Former President Buhari just finished his eight years. So, it is very justifiable that the south should finish its eight years too before we now talk about power shifting,” Nwosu said.

On the agitation for power shift to the South-East zone, Nwosu said that the people of the zone should allow Tinubu to finish his tenure first.

On his assessment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, Nwosu said it was too early to start judging the administration, advising Nigerians to still give it more chance.

He said that Tinubu had been able to record achievements in socio-economic and infrastructural development.

Nwosu stated that the president and his team were doing everything to address economic hardship, develop infrastructure and put food on people’s tables.

ALSO READ:  Shekarau Officially Joins PDP, Promises To Deliver Kano, Other states To Atiku

On the move by some opposition leaders including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi and former Gov. Nasir El-Rufai to form a coalition to take over power in 2027, Nwosu said it was not a challenge to APC.

“Coalition is good, but I don’t see them coming together because they all have their different ideas, personal interests and ambitions,” he said.

The APC chieftain urged the federal and state governments to address the root cause of insecurity in the country.

He also called for more collaboration between government and communities on protection of the lives and property of citizens.

Nwosu suggested the deployment of more security personnel to the areas where there were insecurity challenges.

On the gale of defections by politicians and political office holders to the ruling APC, Nwosu said that this did not mean that Nigeria was drifting toward a one-party.

“There is nothing new about the gale of defections. It is the people’s choice to decide which party they want to join, especially when their parties are in crisis.

“We all know that PDP is currently in crisis, with more than one national secretary. Also if your party is in crisis, you cannot be talking about party manifesto,” he said.

He also dismissed insinuations that people who had questions to answer for their past actions were the ones joining APC, saying that this was not true.

“APC is a separate entity from the federal government. So, when you move from PDP to APC, it does not mean that if there is anything you have done in the past, it should be closed,” he said.

ALSO READ:  Northern Group Slams Opposition Over Attacks On Tinubu, Gbajabiamila

He maintained that APC was waxing strong in Anambra, assuring of the party’s chance to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state. (NAN

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2027: Governor Buni speaks on dumping APC for Atiku’s coalition

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Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has declared he will not join the opposition coalition led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, stated this in a statement issued in Damaturu on Saturday.

Recalled that a viral text message had claimed that Buni and four other APC governors had concluded arrangements to defect to the opposition PDP and join the coalition before the 2027 general elections.

Reacting to this, Governor’s media aide described the viral message as baseless fabrications, unwarranted imagination and assumptions that did not cross path with reality in any way, shape and form.

He said that at no time was the author of the text ever been close to the governor to think that he could attempt to predict the governor’s political movement.

“Buni is no ordinary member of APC; he is not just an APC governor. He is APC in all ramifications, with APC flowing in his veins.

“His contributions to building APC as a two-term National Secretary and National Chairman who chaired the party’s convention committee makes him unique and whose imagination of leaving the party cannot be speculated,” he said.

Mohammed said that the author and his paymasters must have been interested in Buni’s political sagacity and only wished they would have the likes of the governor. It must be wishful thinking,” he said.

ALSO READ:  3 PDP state assembly members defect to APC in Kebbi
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